B-1 Business Visa
B-1 is for an individual conducting general short-term business in the U.S., such as training, conference or convention paid for by the applicant’s foreign employer.
B-2 Tourist and Visit Visa
The B-2 classification is issued to those planning to visit the United States for leisure and pleasure only, seeking entry for tourism or other non-business purposes.
In practice, the two visa categories are usually combined together and issued as a “B1/B2 visa” valid for a temporary visit for either business or pleasure, or a combination of the two. The maximum amount of time issued for either of these visa is ten (10) years with a maximum amount of visiting time of six (6) months per stay. Applicants currently present in the U.S. may apply for an extension of their B-1/B-2 status with the USCIS.